Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak a Juicy, flavorful grilled flank steak meets the fresh, vibrant taste of a classic Caprese salad in this delicious recipe. Topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish is perfect for a summer cookout or an elegant yet easy weeknight meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together the rich, smoky taste of grilled steak with the bright and refreshing flavors of a Caprese salad. The balsamic glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, making every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a great option when I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb flank steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Directions
Prepare the Marinade:
I start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Marinate the Steak:
I place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s evenly coated. After sealing the bag or covering the dish, I let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but no more than four.
Preheat the Grill:
I heat the grill to medium-high, ensuring it’s hot and ready before adding the steak.
Grill the Steak:
Once the steak is out of the marinade, I let any excess drip off before placing it on the grill. I cook it for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on my preferred doneness. I use a meat thermometer to check for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
Rest and Slice:
I transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Prepare the Caprese Topping:
While the steak rests, I mix the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil in a bowl.
Serve:
I arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter, top it with the fresh Caprese mixture, and drizzle everything with balsamic glaze before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~350 per serving
Variations
Add Avocado: I sometimes mix diced avocado into the Caprese topping for a creamy texture.
Use a Different Cheese: If I don’t have mozzarella, I substitute it with feta or burrata for a twist.
Try a Different Protein: This recipe works well with grilled chicken or even salmon if I’m in the mood for something different.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade gives the steak a slight kick.
Extra Balsamic Flavor: Marinating the tomatoes in balsamic vinegar before adding them to the topping enhances the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Caprese topping should be stored separately to keep it fresh.
Reheating: I reheat the steak gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is an option, but I do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
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FAQs
How do I know when flank steak is done?
I use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, I can sear the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop and finish it in a 400°F oven for a few minutes.
What’s the best way to slice flank steak?
I always slice it thinly against the grain to ensure it’s tender and easy to chew.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can marinate the steak up to a day in advance and chop the Caprese ingredients ahead of time, but I prefer grilling the steak fresh for the best flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
I like serving it with grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, or a side of garlic bread.
Conclusion
This Balsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak is the perfect combination of bold, savory flavors and fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to. The simplicity of the marinade and the freshness of the Caprese topping make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
📖 Recipe:
PrintBalsamic Caprese Grilled Flank Steak
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, flavorful grilled flank steak meets the fresh, vibrant taste of a classic Caprese salad in this delicious recipe. Topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish is perfect for a summer cookout or an easy yet elegant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Steak
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours).
3. Preheat the Grill
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
4. Grill the Steak
- Remove steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on doneness preference.
- Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
5. Rest and Slice
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
6. Prepare the Caprese Topping
- In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
7. Serve
- Arrange sliced steak on a platter.
- Top with Caprese mixture.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor: Marinate cherry tomatoes in balsamic vinegar before mixing.
Alternative proteins: Swap flank steak for chicken or salmon.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for heat.
Cheese swap: Try feta or burrata instead of mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~350 per serving